kevin Conroy Makes History In belfast!

LOCAL indoor bowler

Kevin Conroy who plays out of the Redeemer Bowling Club in Dundalk claimed his 3rd Irish National Singles title in Belfast a few weekends ago and in doing so became the 1st man to ever retain an Irish National title in consecutive years in any discipline of the sport (Singles, Pairs, Triples & Fours) since the competition began over 60 years ago! It is a remarkable achievement considering Kevin only returned to bowling last April after nearly a four and a half year absence to devote time to his family and kids.

He beat fellow Irish team colleague Gary McNabb from Mid Tyrone in what was a very close & high standard singles final from start to finish which produced bowls of the highest quality from both players.

Coming off the back of two tournament wins in the days leading up to finals, Gary was the man in form and the slight favourite going into this one. The final was over 15 ends and Gary got off to the perfect start racing into a 5-0 lead after 2 ends. Kevin finally settled into the match and got off the mark in end 4 picking up a single shot. They both exchanged shots in the forthcoming ends and with the scores level at 8-8 half way through, it was perfectly poised for a tense 2nd half of the match. The Dundalk man was proving too good for

Gary though and raced into an 11-8 lead. With the ends running out for the Mid Tyrone man he was unable to answer Kevin’s brilliance and claw back the deficit and Kevin eventually held on to win by 16 shots to 9 in one of the most top quality singles finals witnessed by spectators in years.

It is another trophy to add to his cabinet in a career which sees the Dundalk man as one of the most decorated players in the history of the game.

Kevin now also qualifies for the Champion Of Champions tournament in October, and while highly regarded as one of the best players to ever lift a bowl, you wouldn’t bet against him adding another win to his outstanding collection. He will surely be among one of the favourites to be in contention! Kevin also wanted to thank his club members, friends and family for their support and kind gestures before and after the final.